BTS member Jin is gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated solo debut album, Happy. This marks his first full-length project as a solo artist, stepping outside of BTS' orbit as the group remains on hiatus. Fans of the global superstar can look forward to the album's release on November 15, promising a collection of vibrant, playful tracks that perfectly capture the album’s theme of joy and celebration.
Jin’s Solo Journey Outside BTS
The album Happy reflects Jin's personal journey and contemplation on the meaning of happiness, a topic close to his heart. His goal is to share a sense of warmth, authenticity, and comfort through the album’s six tracks. Each song contributes to an overarching narrative of joy, love, and inner peace.
The tracklist poster, released alongside the announcement, is a burst of color and fun. The album title appears in bold, cartoony letters, while the six track titles are written in bright, cheerful typefaces that evoke the feeling of a party. Confetti-like dots and stars on a bright red backdrop further add to the album’s celebratory theme. The poster also features the phrase “TRUE HAPPINESS TRUE LOVE” at the bottom, reinforcing the message Jin hopes to convey to his fans.
Collaborations and Tracklist Highlights
The lead single from Happy is titled “Running Wild,” a track that promises to be an energetic and powerful release. Fans are also excited for the pre-release single “I’ll Be There,” which is set to drop on October 25. The other songs featured on the album include “Another Level,” “Falling,” “Heart on the Window” (featuring WENDY), and “I Will Come to You.”
Jin collaborated with several high-profile artists on the album. One standout is Gary Barlow, the lead singer of Take That, who co-produced and co-wrote “Running Wild.” Additionally, Take and Toru from the popular Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK co-produced the track “Falling” with GHSTLOOP. These collaborations bring a diverse range of sounds to the album, reflecting Jin’s versatility as an artist.
The Meaning Behind Happy and Jin’s Reflection on Happiness
According to a press release, Happy is Jin’s most personal project yet, as it represents his journey to find the true meaning of happiness. In an industry that often emphasizes outward success, Jin is using this album to express the importance of inner joy and contentment. As he embarks on this new solo chapter, his mission is to connect with fans on a deeper level by sharing his thoughts on happiness and offering comfort through his music.
Jin’s previous solo releases—such as “Super Tuna,” “Yours,” and “Abyss”—have shown his ability to captivate audiences with heartfelt lyrics and unique soundscapes. Happy builds on this foundation, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into Jin’s world as a solo artist.
A Preview of Jin’s Solo Career
Jin, who recently completed his mandatory military service in South Korea in June, is the oldest member of BTS and the first to embark on a solo album following his service. Fans, known as ARMY, are eagerly awaiting the return of the full group, expected in 2025, but in the meantime, Jin’s solo debut offers a glimpse of what’s to come.
In addition to his own music, Jin has contributed to soundtracks for several Korean TV dramas and worked on collaborations, most notably with Coldplay on his debut solo single, “The Astronaut” in 2022. His experience and growth as an artist shine through in Happy, further establishing him as a prominent solo act in the K-pop industry.